6 Most Popular Classic Equine Bits
In This Article
These are a variety of Classic Equine bits that can be used for different Western disciplines. But some bits work better for high speed performance like barrel racing and roping, while others are better for breaking in young horses and working with sensitive horses. But no matter what you need, there’s a Classic Equine bit for you and your horse!
These are the most popular Classic Equine bits and why each one might work well for you. Because in the end, bits are more than just steel hanging on a wall - they play an important role in communication with our horses!
Most Popular Classic Equine Bits
When it comes to finding a good bit for our horse, opinions vary. However, our main goal is to have a bit that keeps our horse comfortable until we give the signal to go. We also want to be able to guide our horse smoothly without slowing them down. Since each horse is unique, it's important to try different bits to find the one that works best. In fact, some horses prefer a change of bits to keep things fresh.
Our objective is to discover a bit that is both comfortable for our horse and easy for us to control. It might require some trial and error, but the effort is worthwhile. If you're a professional, having a variety of bits at your disposal not only impresses clients but also demonstrates that you possess the right tools to help their horse perform at its best.
The most popular Classic Equine bits for your horse are:
Sherry Cervi Diamond D-Ring Barrel Sweet Iron Bit
Dr Bristol & Carol Goostree Double Shank Bit
Performance Straight Shank Bit with Smooth Bar Floating Spade
Qualifier Shank Roping Bit With Copper Correction
Bitless Bridle Bozo Sidepull Hackamore
Floral Scroll Tool Box Straight Shank Bit
Classic Equine Bit - Sherry Cervi Diamond D-Ring Barrel Sweet Iron Bit
This Classic Equine bit is designed for barrel racing. Many riders make it their go-to choice for this intense rodeo event. It’s named after Sherry Cervi, a legendary barrel racer with 4 world championships and countless other titles.
It’s a popular option because it’s made with sweet iron. This material is designed to rust over time and create a sweet taste for your horse. It increases salivation for a supple mouth.
Features
Crafted from sweet iron which gives it a slightly sweet taste that encourages the horse to salivate and relax its jaw
The curved and jointed middle of my mouthpiece provides flexibility and a more comfortable fit for the horse
Unique "diamond" shaped D-rings allow the rider to adjust the reins without causing the bit to slide too far through the horse's mouth
Benefits of a Sweet Iron Mouthpiece
This Classic Equine bit is designed to give your horse a comfortable and secure fit while allowing you to communicate more effectively.
Using sweet iron for this mouthpiece and D-ring design means your horse will be more responsive and relaxed. And because the mouthpiece is jointed, you can apply more precise pressure and have more control.
Using sweet iron for this mouthpiece and D-ring design means your horse will be more responsive and relaxed.
Summary
This Classic Equine bit is a top-quality bit designed for barrel racing. Named after legendary barrel racer Sherry Cervi, it features a sweet iron mouthpiece and unique diamond-shaped D-rings for a comfortable fit and more precise control.
Classic Equine Bit - Dr Bristol & Carol Goostree Double Shank Bit
This Classic Equine bit was designed by Carol Goostree, a legendary barrel racer who has won multiple world championships and other prestigious titles.
Benefits of Dr Bristol Bits
The Dr. Bristol bit, also known as a Doc Bristol, is a double-jointed mouthpiece that resembles a French link. But it has a longer and angled flat link in the middle that places more pressure on the tongue. It gives a more precise and direct signal to the horse while being relatively mild compared to some other types of bits.
The flat link in the middle of the double-jointed mouthpiece helps prevent the nutcracker effect of some other bits, and the longer, angled link can provide more pressure on the tongue when needed.
This can help the rider to communicate more effectively with the horse and encourage it to respond more quickly and accurately to cues.
Features
Twisted wire Dr. Bristol mouthpiece, which provides a sharper and more direct signal to the horse.
Flat centerpiece with angled edges that create more pressure points on the horse's tongue, providing greater control and sensitivity.
The twisted wire design increases the pressure and sensitivity even further, making it a more severe bit that should only be used by experienced riders.
Benefits of a Short Shank Bit Design
The Carol Goostree Double Shank Gag Barrel Bit also has short shanks, which make it a milder gag bit than those with longer shanks.
The shorter shanks provide less leverage, while still allowing me to apply pressure to the horse's poll and mouth. The double shanks provide even more control and stability to the bit, helping to keep it in place during fast-paced maneuvers.
The Dr. Bristol bit can provide a more precise and direct signal to the horse while being relatively mild compared to some other types of bits.
Summary
The Classic Equine Carol Goostree Double Shank Gag Barrel Bit with Twisted Wire Dr. Bristol, Short Shank is a high-quality piece of tack that is designed for experienced riders who need maximum control and responsiveness from their horse. Its innovative design and high-quality materials make it a popular choice among barrel racers and other speed event riders who demand the best for their horses.
Classic Equine Bit - Performance Straight Shank Bit with Smooth Bar Floating Spade
The Classic Equine Performance Bit with Floating Spade is a specialized bit designed for performance and speed events in rodeo, like barrel racing or pole bending.
Features
Straight shank design for direct and immediate control
Smooth bar floating spade mouthpiece for less severity and tongue prevention
Floating spade design for more freedom of movement in the horse's mouth
High-quality stainless steel construction for durability
Handcrafted for quality and performance assurance.
Benefits of a Straight Shank Bit Design
This particular bit has a straight shank design, which is commonly used in western riding to provide more direct and immediate control over the horse.
The straight shank design makes it easier to apply pressure to the horse's mouth, making it a bit that should be used by experienced riders who have a good understanding of bitting and its effects on the horse.
The mouthpiece of this bit is a smooth bar floating spade, which is designed to be less severe than some other types of spade bits.
The smooth bar helps to prevent the horse from getting its tongue over the bit, while the floating spade design allows the horse to move its mouth more freely, reducing the likelihood of your horse becoming resistant or unresponsive to the bit.
This Classic Equine bit is made of high-quality materials, with a stainless steel construction that is designed to last. The bit is also handcrafted, ensuring that each one is carefully made and inspected to ensure that it meets Classic Equine's high standards for quality and performance.
Be Careful With Spade Bits
The spade bit is a part of the vaquero tradition and requires extensive training before use. When the reins are pulled, it makes contact with the horse's palate, and the pressure can be strong.
But, if used incorrectly, it can hurt the horse's mouth. So, it's not recommended to use this bit for training or correcting behavioral problems such as pulling or head tossing.
The mouthpiece of this bit is a smooth bar floating spade, which is designed to be less severe than some other types of spade bits.
Summary
The Classic Equine Performance Bit with Floating Spade is a specialized bit designed for performance events in rodeo. Its straight shank design provides direct control, while the smooth bar floating spade mouthpiece offers less severity and prevents tongue interference.
The bit's high-quality stainless steel construction and handcrafted design ensure durability and performance. However, caution should be exercised with spade bits, as they require extensive training and can exert strong pressure on the horse's mouth.
Classic Equine Bit - Qualifier Shank Roping Bit With Copper Correction
In 1987, Paul Petska gave Mike Beers, a World Champion Team Roper, a chain bit. This design soon became popular in the team roping industry because the chain mouthpiece was forgiving enough that riders could pull too hard without their horses overreacting.
This made the chain bit a go-to item for many team ropers.
The Classic Equine Qualifier Shank Roping Bit is typically used on stronger, well-seasoned horses. It's a bit that can be used with fingertip control, providing the rider with the ability to guide their horse into the proper position for roping, whether in the arena or out in the field.
Features
6 3/4" shank and a leverage position of 2.5
Swivel port mouthpiece that, combined with high leverage, helps lift the horse's shoulders and drop its neck
Flatter departure and more control while shifting weight to the hindquarters
Flexible and slow-reacting
Copper inlay softens mouth
Great for high speeds
Helps eliminate dead spots during high performance
Benefits of a Shank Bit
A bit shank is a part of the bridle, specifically the side piece or cheekpiece of a curb bit, used for riding horses.
It adds leverage to the pressure of the rider's hands on the bit, allowing for more control and communication between horse and rider. Shanks are typically made of metal, can be straight or curved, and may be decorated for certain disciplines.
Shank bits can help your horse make more precise movements and increase flexibility in how the bit is used due to longer shanks. They can also encourage the horse to carry their head in a certain position and can be useful for horses that pull or brace against the bit.
Summary
The Classic Equine Qualifier Shank Roping Bit is a popular communication tool used at high speeds. This bit helps horses achieve better rate, shift their weight to their hindquarters, and eliminate dead spots during high-performance.
Classic Equine Bit - Sherry Cervi Diamond Twisted Wire Bit
The Classic Equine Sherry Cervi Diamond Shank Gag Barrel Bit with Twisted Wire Dogbone is a specialized bit designed for barrel racing horses.
It features a short shank, which provides moderate leverage and control to the rider, without being too harsh on the horse's mouth. The shank is also decorated with diamonds for an elegant look.
The gag action of the bit is achieved through the use of two reins. The headstall rein attaches to the bit's headstall, while the second rein attaches to the bit's gag cheekpiece.
When pressure is applied to the gag rein, the bit's mouthpiece moves up, applying pressure to the horse's poll and encouraging the horse to elevate its head and neck.
This design helps to promote balance and agility in barrel racing horses, allowing them to turn quickly and smoothly around tight barrels.
Features
Made of high-quality stainless steel copper inlay
Keeps your horse’s mouth soft
Promotes balance and agility
Helps your horse make quick, smooth turns
Moderate leverage
Gentle on horses mouth
Elegant diamond accents
Benefits of Twisted Wire Bits
Twisted wire horse bits give riders extra control and quick response from horses that tend to be strong or heavy in the mouth.
These bits apply more pressure to the tongue and mouth corners, making it easier for riders to communicate with their horses.
They come in various mouthpiece options, such as single or double-jointed, single twist, and slow twist or square twist snaffles, and are made of materials like stainless steel, sweet iron, and copper.
Twisted wire bits are used in both Western and English riding and can be helpful for horses that tend to pull or be heavy in the bridle.
They provide quick response to help riders communicate better with their horses, resulting in better performance in the arena or on the trail. However, it's essential to remember that incorrect or inexperienced use of a twisted wire bit can be harsh.
Choosing the appropriate type of twisted wire bit for your horse's needs and using it correctly with proper training is crucial. A double twisted wire bit can be a good choice for hard-mouthed or unresponsive horses.
With proper use, a twisted wire bit can be a useful tool for achieving better communication and control with your horse.
The twisted wire dogbone design provides a slight edge and "bite" to the horse's mouth, while the copper inlay promotes salivation, keeping the horse's mouth soft and responsive to the rider's aids.
Summary
The Classic Equine bit is specially designed for barrel racing horses, offering moderate leverage and control with its short shank and diamond accents. The two reins create a gag action, applying pressure to the horse's poll and promoting balance and agility.
The twisted wire dogbone design provides a responsive "bite" with the copper inlay ensuring a soft mouth. Proper training and use are essential for twisted wire bits to be effective and safe.
Classic Equine Bit - Bitless Bridle Bozo Sidepull Hackamore
This Classic Equine side pull hackamore is a combination of two types of bitless bridles - the sidepull and the hackamore.
The sidepull applies pressure to the horse's nose and cheeks instead of inside its mouth and is great for young horses.
The hackamore is a bitless bridle that is more gentle than bits making it perfect for young or sensitive horses.
This Sidepull Hackamore from Classic Equine is a balanced combination of both.
You can communicate with your horse by applying direct pressure on the nose and cheeks, providing more control without causing discomfort to the horse.
Features
Benefits of 2 great bit designs
Provides a more direct form of communication
Suitable for young horses or sensitive horses
Gentle and effective communication without using a bit
Replica of the headgear used by World Champion barrel racer Kristie Peterson on her horse Bozo
Allows your horse to be comfortable while running at high speeds
7-1/2" shank, providing the appropriate length for effective communication and control
Benefits of Hackamores
Hackamores are a type of bitless bridle that offer several benefits to horses. Unlike traditional bridles with bits, hackamores apply pressure to the nose, poll, and chin groove without any pressure or leverage on the mouth, making them a great option for horses with physical issues or behavioral problems related to traditional bits.
The benefits of using hackamores include no pressure or leverage on the horse's mouth, making them suitable for horses with mouth problems. Horses with tongue damage or a fractured jaw, as well as those with behavioral problems like head shaking, excessive salivation, and rearing, may benefit from using a hackamore.
Hackamores offer different levels of pressure, making them a versatile option for riders. They are also used in a wide range of disciplines and can be used with an existing bridle, although a Hackamore Bridle may be a better fit.
To introduce a hackamore to a horse, it is important to start with groundwork such as long-lining or in-hand work to allow the horse to adjust to the new pressure points.
Different types of hackamores apply varying levels of pressure, so it's important to choose the right one for your horse's needs. Hackamores are commonly used in a variety of disciplines but are not permitted in dressage competitions.
Using a Hackamore Bridle specifically designed for use with hackamores can be a good addition to your tack room if you make the switch.
Kristie Peterson suggests riding the horse in the Bozo Sidepull a few times before using it in high-speed runs, allowing the horse to become accustomed to the bridle's feel and aids.
Summary
The Classic Equine side pull hackamore combines the features of a sidepull and a hackamore for gentle and direct communication without a bit. It's suitable for young and sensitive horses, providing control and comfort. It's a replica of World Champion barrel racer Kristie Peterson's headgear.
Hackamores offer bitless bridles that benefit horses by avoiding mouth pressure, suitable for various disciplines and horses with mouth problems or behavioral issues. Introduce it gradually through groundwork and choose the right type. Use it with an existing bridle or Hackamore Bridle. Recommended by Kristie Peterson for comfortable high-speed runs.
Classic Equine Bit - Floral Scroll Tool Box Straight Shank Bit
The Classic Equine bit is a versatile and thoughtfully designed piece of tack for horse enthusiasts. With its combination of a mild cheek, soft pressure distribution, and copper inlaid mouthpiece, this bit aims to enhance communication and provide comfort to the horse.
Whether used for training, performance, or everyday riding, the Classic Equine bit offers a balanced approach to control and responsiveness, making it a valuable tool for riders of various disciplines and skill levels.
Features
6" cheek with a 2-1/2" purchase and a 3-1/2" shank for a mild cheek design
Soft and gradual contact with the horse's mouth
Main contact points at the corners of the mouth for familiarity
Can be used with a training fork or martingale for collection and poll control
Copper inlaid mouthpiece stimulates salivation
5-1/8" wide, 3/8" diameter curved mouthpiece for gentle and even pressure distribution to the bars, tongue, and corners of the mouth
Short Correction bit, slightly more advanced than a snaffle
Applies pressure to the chin, bars, corners of the mouth, and provides added pressure to the tongue for increased feel
Benefits of a Straight Shank Bit
The longer shank of a straight shank bit allows for clear and direct cues between the rider and the horse. This improves communication during riding, making it more effective. It provides a lot of control especially in disciplines that involve advanced maneuvers like reining or cutting. It gives the rider precise control over the horse's movements.
This Classic Equine bit encourages the horse to flex at the poll and maintain a vertical head position. This promotes proper collection and balance and improved posture and performance.
When used correctly, this straight shank bit applies pressure gradually to the horse's mouth. This gives you better communication and responsiveness to lighter cues over time.
Summary
The Classic Equine bit is a versatile and thoughtfully designed piece of tack that offers a balanced approach to control and responsiveness. With its mild cheek design, soft pressure distribution, and copper inlaid mouthpiece, this bit will enhance communication and provide comfort to your horse.
Whether used for training, performance, or everyday riding, this bit offers clear and direct cues, precise control over movements, and promotes proper posture and balance. Its gradual pressure application allows for refined communication and increased responsiveness to lighter cues over time.
About Classic Equine
Classic Equine is a well known and loved horse tack company.
Classic Equine Bits is a company that specializes in the production and sale of high-quality equine bits and other horse-related accessories. The company was founded in 1995 by a group of horse enthusiasts who recognized the need for innovative and effective horse tack.
Classic Equine Bits is based in Granbury, Texas, and offers a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of horse riders of all disciplines, including western, English, and rodeo. Their product line includes bits, spurs, reins, headstalls, and other accessories.
One of the most popular products offered by Classic Equine Bits is the BitLogic Performance Series, a line of bits designed to provide maximum comfort and performance for the horse. These bits feature unique design elements such as a three-piece mouthpiece, a copper roller, and a smooth, ergonomic shape that conforms to the horse's mouth. They are also available in a variety of styles and sizes to fit horses of all breeds and sizes.
Classic Equine Bits is committed to using high-quality materials in all of their products, and their bits are made from materials such as stainless steel, copper, and sweet iron to provide durability and comfort for the horse.
They also offer a variety of customization options, such as engraving and personalized colors, to make each piece of tack unique to the rider and horse.
Overall, Classic Equine Bits has established a reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality horse tack, and their commitment to innovation and quality has made them a popular choice among horse riders and trainers.
Final Thoughts
Classic Equine Bits is a reputable company that offers a wide range of high-quality horse tack, including bits designed for comfort and performance. Their commitment to using quality materials and innovative design elements sets them apart in the industry. When choosing a bit, it's important to consider the individual needs of the horse and to be open to trying different options to find the best fit. Ultimately, finding a comfortable and effective bit is crucial for clear and respectful communication with our horses. But you can’t go wrong with Classic Equine bits!
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.